Multi-objective optimization of solar resource allocation in radial distribution systems using a refined slime mold algorithm.

The integration of distributed generation resources in power systems offers various advantages, such as peak load management and reduced transmission line congestion. However, it also introduces challenges related to voltage stability. This paper presents a novel multi-objective model for optimizing the allocation of solar resources in radial distribution systems.

Preparation of Expanded Graphite-VO Composite Cathode Material and Performance in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Due to safety problems caused by the use of organic electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries and the high production cost brought by the limited lithium resources, water-based zinc-ion batteries have become a new research focus in the field of energy storage due to their low production cost, safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. This paper focused on vanadium dioxide and expanded graphite (EG) composite cathode materials. Given the cycling problem caused by the structural fragility of vanadium dioxide in zinc-ion batteries, the feasibility of preparing a new composite material is explored.

Spectroscopy and Kerr-lens mode-locked operation of Yb:GdScO crystal.

A Kerr-lens mode-locked laser based on a Yb-doped disordered gadolinium scandate (Yb:GdScO) crystal is reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The crystal with the perovskite structure was grown using the Czochralski method, and its room temperature (RT) and low temperature (LT) spectra were also investigated. Due to the crystal's multisite structure (Gd/Sc site), Yb:GdScO offers broad and intense polarized emission spectra in the near-infrared range (975-1075 nm).

Flexible Printed Ultraviolet-to-Near-Infrared Broadband Optoelectronic Carbon Nanotube Synaptic Transistors for Fast and Energy-Efficient Neuromorphic Vision Systems.

To simulate biological visual systems and surpass their functions and performance, it is essential to develop high-performance optoelectronic neuromorphic electronics with broadband response, low power consumption, and fast response speed. Among these, optoelectronic synaptic transistors have emerged as promising candidates for constructing neuromorphic visual systems. In this work, flexible printed broadband (from 275 to 1050 nm) optoelectronic carbon nanotube synaptic transistors with good stability, high response speed (3.

Enhancement-Mode Carbon Nanotube Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistors with Large and Controllable Threshold Voltage Modulation Window for Broadband Flexible Vision Systems.

The development of large-scale integration of optoelectronic neuromorphic devices with ultralow power consumption and broadband responses is essential for high-performance bionics vision systems. In this work, we developed a strategy to construct large-scale (40 × 30) enhancement-mode carbon nanotube optoelectronic synaptic transistors with ultralow power consumption (33.9 aJ per pulse) and broadband responses (from 365 to 620 nm) using low-work function yttrium (Y)-gate electrodes and the mixture of eco-friendly photosensitive AgS quantum dots (QDs) and ionic liquids (ILs)-cross-linking-poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP) (ILs-c-PVP) as the dielectric layers.

Tunable and mode-locked Tm,Ho:GdScO laser.

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, Tm,Ho:GdScO crystal grown using the Czochralski method was investigated for its polarized spectroscopic properties and laser performance in both tunable continuous-wave (CW) and mode-locked regimes. The crystal's multisite structure (Gd/Sc site) and Tm/Ho dopants contributed to spectral broadening, enabling a tunable laser operation from 1914 to 2125 nm (with a broad range of 215 nm). Additionally, a pulse duration of 72 fs was achieved for E || b polarization.

Miniaturized and Portable Laser Gas Sensor for Standoff Methane Detection With Non-Cooperative Targets.

A standoff methane (CH) sensor with actual hard topographic targets (usually called non-cooperative targets) is essential for natural gas pipeline leakage inspection and many other practical applications. To address this requirement, a miniaturized and low-power-consumption gas sensor was developed based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy for standoff CH detection with a non-cooperative target. Wavelength modulation spectroscopy with a 1 normalized 2 detection method was employed for calibration-free CH measurement.

The Utility of ctDNA in Lung Cancer Clinical Research and Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies.

This systematic review with embedded meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in lung cancer. After screening and review of the Embase database search, 111 studies from 2015 to 2020 demonstrated ctDNA's value in prognostication/monitoring disease progression, mainly in patients with advanced/metastatic disease and non-small cell lung cancer. ctDNA positivity/detection at any time point was associated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival, whereas ctDNA clearance/decrease during treatment was associated with a lower risk of progression and death.

Analysis of the Phase III ENGOT-OV16/NOVA Study: Niraparib Efficacy in Germline Wild-type Recurrent Ovarian Cancer with Homologous Recombination Repair Defects.

Unlabelled: In this analysis, we examined the relationship between progression-free survival (PFS) and mutation status of 18 homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes in patients in the non-germline -mutated (non-gm) cohort of the ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial (NCT01847274), which evaluated niraparib maintenance therapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. This exploratory biomarker analysis was performed using tumor samples collected from 331 patients enrolled in the phase III ENGOT-OV16/NOVA trial's non-gm cohort. Niraparib demonstrated PFS benefit in patients with either somatic mutated (sm; HR, 0.

Sarm1 Regulates Circadian Rhythm Disorder in Alzheimer's Disease in Mice.

Background: Sarm1 (Sterile alpha and TIR motif-containing 1) is a key protein that regulates neurodegenerative pathologies. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is highly associated with neurodegenerative lesions and biorhythmic disturbances.

Objective: This study aims to decipher the role of Sarm1 in AD-induced circadian rhythm disturbances and AD progression.

Parthenolide alleviates peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via the NF-κB/ TGF-β/Smad signaling axis.

Peritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a complicated pathogenesis and limited treatments. Parthenolide (PTL), a recognized nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor extracted from Tanacetum balsamita, has been widely used to treat various inflammatory diseases and has been proven to improve peritoneal fibrosis in PD mice by selectively inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), via Smad-dependent signaling, has a pivotal role in promoting pathogenic of fibrosis.

Imaging simulation of the AMCW ToF camera based on path tracking.

The time-of-flight (ToF) camera suffers from many error factors, such as multiple reflection or multipath interference and electronic and optical shot noise, making it difficult to simulate its imaging process. Aiming to test the ToF camera algorithm, it is important to obtain a depth image affected by these error factors. In order to model the light propagation behavior and the sensor effect in the imaging process of the ToF camera, an amplitude modulated continuous-wave (AMCW) ToF camera imaging simulation method based on path tracking is presented by deducing the path tracking algorithm model in the AMCW ToF camera theoretically and by realizing the physically based simulation by introducing the infrared bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) data of the actual materials.

Proton pump inhibitor usage associates with higher risk of first episodes of pneumonia and peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: A large number of studies have shown that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with infection events. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated the association of PPI therapy with the occurrence of first pneumonia and peritoneal dialysis(PD)-related peritonitis events in the maintenance PD patients.

Methods: We collected PD patients in two large hospitals from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016, and divided them into the PPI group and the non-PPI group.

Biochemical Process and Microbial Evolution in the Conversion of Corn Straw Combined with Coal to Biogas.

The combined anaerobic fermentation of coal and straw can increase the production of biogas. To explore the mechanism of adding corn straw to increase methane production, coal with different metamorphic degrees and corn straw were collected for biogas production simulation experiments under different substrate ratios. The changes in liquid products, the structure of lignocellulose in corn straw, and microbial evolution were monitored.

Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio associates with higher all-cause mortality and new onset cardiovascular events in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), a new inflammatory marker, is associated with poor clinical prognosis. However, the correlation of NHR and adverse outcomes in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains unclear.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1051 PD patients were recruited from three centers during Jan 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2017.

Proton pump inhibitor usage is associated with higher all-cause mortality and CV events in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Objectives: A long period of inappropriate proton pump inhibitors (PPI) treatment has been proved to be associated with adverse prognosis in general population and hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted to clarify the impact of PPI usage on mortality and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods And Design: This is a retrospective study.

ACEi/ARBs associate with lower incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is widespread in patients with impaired renal function. Whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs) potentially take a crucial role in avoiding GIB incidence among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is unknown.

Methods: Overall, 734 PD patients were enrolled after using propensity score matching.

Preclinical characterization of dostarlimab, a therapeutic anti-PD-1 antibody with potent activity to enhance immune function in in vitro cellular assays and in vivo animal models.

Inhibitors of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have dramatically changed the treatment landscape for patients with cancer. Clinical activity of anti-PD-(L)1 antibodies has resulted in increased median overall survival and durable responses in patients across selected tumor types. To date, 6 PD-1 and PD-L1, here collectively referred to as PD-(L)1, pathway inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for clinical use.

High Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio as an Independent Risk Factor for the First Occurrence of Stroke in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.

Introduction: Though neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) level appears to be related with stroke events in general population, its relationship with stroke in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is still uncertain. This study aims to investigate the association between NLR and the first occurrence of stroke in PD patients.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 1507 PD patients were enrolled from four centers in China and stratified into tertiles of NLR levels.

High Mean Platelet Volume Associates with In-Hospital Mortality in Severe Pneumonia Patients.

Background: Although mean platelet volume (MPV) appears to be associated with poor outcome of pneumonia, the relationship between MPV and in-hospital mortality is unclear in severe pneumonia (SP) patients.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 115 SP patients from June 1st, 2016, to September 29th, 2019, were included and divided into two groups. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Adverse Cardiovascular Outcome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Younger than 60 Years Old.

Background: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new inflammatory marker; the relationship between NLR and adverse cardiovascular (CV) prognosis has been gradually emphasized in the general population. However, their association in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains unclear.

Methods: From January 1, 2010, to May 31, 2017, a total of 1652 patients were recruited.

The relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and the first occurrence of pneumonia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Background: Although neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is closely associated with pneumonia in the general population, its relationship is unclear in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods: This is a cohort study consisting of 739 PD patients and dividing into two groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were applied to observe the incidence of the first occurrence of pneumonia, competitive risk analysis was conducted to compare whether there was a significant difference in each NLR group in the presence of other competing events, multivariable COX regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratios (HRs), as well as forest plot was used to analyze the relationship between NLR and the first occurrence of pneumonia in different subgroups.

The Energy Efficiency and the Impact of Air Pollution on Health in China.

The rapid growth of China's economy in recent years has greatly improved its citizens' living standards, but economic growth consumes many various energy sources as well as produces harmful air pollution. Nitrogen oxides, SO (sulfur dioxide), and other polluting gases are damaging the environment and people's health, with a particular spike in incidences of many air pollution-related diseases in recent years. While there have been many documents discussing China's energy and environmental issues in the past, few of them analyze economic development, air pollution, and residents' health together.